Category Archives: Parasites

Parasite Cleansing: What Should I Expect?

When you start a parasite cleanse, you need to be careful that you don’t embark upon an overly aggressive treatment regime. There is no need to go hardcore and be a parasite superhero. I’ve seen grown men cry who have gone too hard, too fast when treating their parasite infections. These men ended up experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and severe headache.

If your investigations show that you have a major problem with parasites, you need to tread very lightly. If you have only a minor problem with parasites, your treatment regime can be more vigorous.

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The side effects of an overly aggressive parasite treatment protocol include headaches, weakness, fatigue, bad body odor, bad breath, sleep problems, vivid dreams, and nightmares. These side effects are the result of pushing your body too hard.

When parasite treatment is too quick, the immune system must manage a big load of parasites. The immune system creates chemicals to mop up the parasites, but these chemicals can also cause the side effects listed above.

My recommendation is to take the “nice and easy” approach to parasite cleansing. Don’t jump right into the deep end. You have plenty of time to get healthy. By starting slow, you will save yourself a lot of distress down the road.

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Trichosporon and Candida Connection

Trichosporon is a yeast which, under normal circumstances, is known as a commensal in the human body. This means that it is a member of the digestive tract microflora community and does no harm to the human body. However it certain circumstances, and because it is opportunistic like candida, it can become pathogenic or damaging to its environment – which means it causes us to be ill. Up until fairly recently trichosporon was thought to comprise one species, however it has since been established that there are several species in the classification and certain ones can be specific for certain illnesses. When any illness arising from trichosporon becomes systemic, meaning that it travels through the blood to invade any part of the body, then the resulting illness is known as trichosporonosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Trichosporon

White piedra is the most common, and least problematic, finding when it comes to trichosporon. It is typical of this yeast overgrowth and classified as a superficial cutaneous infection where the shaft of the hair becomes infected and affects the surrounding skin. The signs of white piedra are a dandruff like substance on the scalp and around the roots of the hair. White piedra is only one disease of the skin which can be caused by trichosporon however most have similar symptoms and are relatively easy to both diagnose and treat. Although it most often appears on the scalp, the yeast can produce issues on any region of the body with accompanying skin nodules.

Other issues which commonly arise due to trichosporon are digestive and respiratory tract issues. Respiratory tract are potentially difficult to detect due to the common symptom of coughing being indicative of many other illnesses. However when this is accompanied by digestive issues then the diagnosis is more easily achieved.

Digestive symptoms are very similar to those of Candidasis and include:

  • Gas and bloating
  • Nausea
  • Flatulence
  • Stomach pain
  • Diarrhea and/or constipation
  • Indigestion

When it comes to intestinal tract overgrowth of trichosporon often it will be found that there is accompanying Candidiasis or a previous history of the condition.

Invasive Trichosporonosis

Patients who are suffering from invasive trichosporonoisis are usually those who have concurrent health problems which are often associated with immunocompromised conditions. These symptoms can vary broadly depending on which organ of the body is affected. Such manifestations, due to the severity of the condition, are best diagnosed in a clinical setting.

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Causes and Risk Factors for Trichosporon

Several specific risk factors are associated with the condition and often these are similar to those of Candidiasis. Trichosporon is for example, opportunistic which means it will invade when the defenses of the body are low. This often happens when patients are already suffering from an existing illness, particularly one where the immune system is compromised either through the illness itself or drug treatments such as chemotherapy.

Trichosporon also like Candida can form biofilms which add to the problems. For the uninitiated, biofilms are communities in which species of microflora can exist, and which, for several reasons, assists the survival of the inhabitants. Up until very recently it was thought that pathogens lived in isolation but the discovery of biofilms in medicine revealed that more often than not they actually live in communities which are protected by, unsurprisingly, a film. This film protects the inhabitants from attacks such as those initiated by the immune system and antibiotics. It is now thought that this is one reason why antibiotics fail to treat many infections and why they keep recurring.

Additionally biofilms can live anywhere in nature and they are remarkably difficult to destroy which has resulted in the finding that they may inhabit equipment used in invasive medical procedures and subsequently infect patients who did not have a problem previously. When you get a situation where people who are sick, and are therefore likely to be suffering from a compromised immune system which can either be due to the illness or treatments such as chemotherapy, in addition to drugs which also often decrease the numbers of beneficial bacteria in the body and who normally overwhelm pathogens, then we can see why the environment is perfect for such an opportunistic bacteria. The problem of course is increased if infected equipment is introduced into the body.

Other risk factors which may contribute to a trichosporon overgrowth includes the use of corticosteriods, oral contraceptives or a history of Candidiasis.

Treatment of Trichosporon

The conventional drug treatment for trichosporon are antifungals both topically applied for external conditions and ingested drugs for internal digestive or invasive issues. These drugs are sometimes accompanied by antibiotics particularly when infection is suspected with skin conditions. However both have their drawbacks since antifungal drugs can be extremely aggressive and will further imbalance the beneficial gut flora as will antibiotics which are now known to be a cause of Candida.

The problem also arises in that biofilms are known to react defensively to such treatments and once they have been ingested the biofilm will actually strengthen barriers against further treatments. This may result in conditions becoming worse when they recur despite the fact they appear to respond positively to initial treatment.

Natural treatments tend not to produce the side effects of conventional drugs. In fact herbs such as garlic are noted for not only being antifungal in nature but they also have the ability to penetrate biofilms without stimulating the reinforcement response. This means that once natural treatments have been effective the condition is less likely to recur.

Because of the similarities between trichosporon and Candida in that they are commensal yeasts, opportunistic and display the same affinity for biofilms and defensive responses both can be treated in the same way.

One of the most natural ways of initiating a war against trichosporon is to deny it sugars which are its main form of food. This means all sugars including those contained in fruits and dairy products should be eliminated from the diet for at least 2 weeks. The exception to this rule is when it comes to probiotics which should be taken daily to top up the beneficial gut bacteria which enable them in assisting to overwhelm pathogens. Canxida Restore contains 6 of the most notable beneficial probiotics for those who are unable to tolerate fresh products. It also has a slow time release system to give the bacteria the longest time possible in the digestive tract.

Garlic is also another excellent natural antifungal which helps rid the digestive tract of excessive yeasts. Another benefit of garlic is that it has been proven it does not trigger the biofilms to build up a resistance to it as happens with contemporary medications such as antibiotics and antifungals. It can be used raw and fresh or as part of a supplement such as that contained in Canxida Remove. This product also has Black Walnut in the ingredient list which contains juglone, a compound which has also been scientifically proven to act as an effective antifungal agent.

When it comes to yeast infections an important issue to remember is that some products will make the condition worse and should be avoided to speed recovery. One of these products is alcohol. Although some alcoholic products are more detrimental than others there can be no doubt that all alcohol feeds a yeast overgrowth. It has been scientifically proven in research studies undertaken on people suffering from alcohol addiction, that nearly all such patients suffer from dysbiosis or disharmony of the digestive microflora – and that includes yeast overgrowths.

Junk foods, sodas and baked goods should also be avoided for at least the first 2 weeks of any treatment program and some of them introduced slowly back into the diet. When it comes to junk food and particularly sodas, then the preference is for them to be eliminated permanently from the menu.

Trichosporon and the Candida Connection

There has long since been the knowledge that trichosporon and Candida are connected. This is however somewhat unsurprising since both are commensal yeasts which are opportunistic. This means that often trichosporon will exist concurrently with a Candida infection or it may appear when a patient has a history of Candida.

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Prevention of Trichosporon

Preventing trichosporon infections relies heavily on raising awareness of what both causes and what contributes to the condition. It is certain that people already suffering from illnesses are vulnerable to this opportunistic fungi both from the viewpoints of a compromised immune system, taking contemporary drugs, or possibly having invasive medical procedures which will introduce the organism to the body. In some cases it will be a mixture of all 3.

However modern lifestyles also contribute strongly to disturbing the balance of the digestive flora and it is essential to our general health and well being that we avoid this situation as much as we are able.

Under normal circumstances our body should be able to address any imbalances within the microflora community however it is become more apparent that this situation is happening less and less, so it is essential that we appreciate not only how to treat yeast overgrowth but also what contributes to causing it:

  • Contemporary medications including antibiotics, antifungals, cortiscosteriods
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Invasive medical procedures or implants
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Excessive sugar intake
  • Reduced immunity
  • Junk food and drinks

If we appreciate the issues which may contribute to a trichosporon infection, although we may not always be able to totally avoid the situation, we will at least be able not only to minimize the impact but also to recognize possible problems when they arise.

All You Need To Know About Rhodotorula

Although most people have not heard of the pathogen Rhodotorula it seems that in the near future we will be hearing a lot more. The organism is a yeast much in the same vein as Candida in that it can disrupt the essential microflora community within the human digestive system. Another common feature shared by these two yeasts are that Rhodotorula, like Candida, is now known to be ‘opportunistic’ which makes it particularly dangerous to those already suffering from conditions where the immune system is impaired.

There are 8 species of Rhodotorula and several are specific to humans including R. glutinis, R. minuta, and R. mucilaginosa. It can be found almost everywhere from air and fruit through to soil and, although its existence has long been known, it is only very recently that it has been established as a pathogen emerging as a causation of disease in the last 2 decades.

Most cases of illness relating to this particular yeast actually have their foundation in the modern world because this organism has an affinity for the modern creation, plastic, and which is possibly why it did not emerge as being problematic previously. Overgrowths of Rhodotorula are now found to occur most often in patients where invasive procedures have been used particularly involving venous catheters. In other cases it would seem, yet again that antibiotics and corticosteriods have left patients open to infection by this opportunistic yeast in much the same way as happens with Candida.

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Signs and Symptoms of Rhodotorula

Because the findings relating to infections caused by Rhodotorula are, for the moment at least, limited to patients who are already suffering from another form of disease, any symptoms which arise usually appear in a hospital setting which is also known as a nosocomial illness. The problems which Rhodotorula cause are related to either localized infections or what is known as fungemia. Fungemia means an infection of the blood which has been caused by the yeast organism. Because of the nature of the condition diagnosis is usually specialized and provided by the clinicians in charge of the patient when symptoms specific to either aspect of the condition arise.

Causes of Rhodotorula

It is becoming clearer that most cases of Rhodotorula are contracted within a hospital setting. The reasons for this are related to the issues of patients with already immunocompromised conditions, invasive medical practices, contemporary drugs which leave the body open to this pathogenic organism, and the use of plastic in hospital settings whether they be involved in clinical procedures or the general environment including shower curtains and toothbrushes – all of which are conducive to this opportunistic yeast. The combination of these factors appears to be assisting the pathogen to cause additional illnesses in patients and are direct causations of a rise in incidences of the condition.

Risk Factors for Rhodotorula

What is known at the moment is that this organism is able to cause disease primarily in a nosocomial setting. Often this is due to the parasites affinity for plastic and this can affect those undergoing a variety of treatments including catheterization and even dialysis. Infections that are acquired by patients already undergoing treatment should then be considered for having acquired this opportunistic parasite.

However what is currently unknown, quite likely because the organism has only recently been identified as being pathogenic, is how many people are affected with ailments of the digestive tract caused by this yeast. We know that it can be found in a variety of foods including, peanuts, cheese, fruit juice, sausages and numerous other products but so far no research has been undertaken investigating possible causation of illness.

There were very few cases of disease recorded relating to Rhodotorula prior to 1985, however now they are increasing in number. Scientists are suggesting that further research is undertaken to investigate if the fungi can be transferred directly from the digestive tract to the bloodstream which would cause fungemia that is normally, as we currently understand it, passed directly into the bloodstream via venous catheters.

Cases of skin infections in other species have been recorded but they are few. They include dermatitis in a cat, skin lesions in sea-lions and chickens which suffered skin problems. To date no cases have been reported in humans.

We also know that some sea water can contain this organism. However what is not certain is whether this is naturally occurring or if the water became contaminated via household waste carrying the parasite.

At the moment susceptibility is the major risk factor when it comes to contracting this parasite. This may be through medical equipment or being in an environment contaminated with the organism when the immune system is compromised.

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Treatment for Rhodotorula

Because nearly all cases of infection caused by Rhodotorula are currently identified in a hospital setting, treatment is normally provided by conventional means and includes antifungals.

Although the infection is currently considered rare outside a hospital setting and would be more readily identified in those suffering from conditions where the immune system is impaired, many naturopaths and clinicians suggest that the treatment should also include natural elements which are similar to those used to clear Candida infections. This means that eliminating sugars, including dairy, alcohol and junk foods are essential. The only dairy which should be consumed is a daily probiotic and this can be supported by a natural supplement such as Canxida Remove after consultation with your clinician.

All You Need To Know About Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a parasite which was first identified in 1907 by a scientist called Tyzzer and which can cause an illness called Cryptosporiodiosis. The main offenders when it comes to strains are Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum although other strains can sometimes be contracted by humans. Unfortunately this illness most commonly affects children particularly those in the age range of 1-5, and although it is self-limiting it can cause digestive issues including mild or severe watery diarrhea which is distressing to those in this age group. Others who are particularly susceptible to infestation and become symptomatic are those people, including adults, who have an impaired immune response.

Signs and Symptoms of Cryptosporidium

The most widely recognized symptom of a cryptosporidium infestation is watery diarrhea. This can be mild but more often it is quite severe if relatively short-lived. In some people the diarrhea will be accompanied by stomach cramps which again can range from slight discomfort to quite debilitating. Sometimes there will be a low grade fever but this does not appear in all cases.

Although it is primarily known for causing diarrhea, less frequently it can also manifest as a respiratory cough which accompanies the digestive disturbance.

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Causes of Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is not species specific and it is often found in untreated water such as ponds, lakes and rivers. Because of these two factors it makes the parasite quite prevalent and also children in particular are at risk when they play in water. Other areas which can show a high load of the cryptosporidium parasite are farms and outbreaks have been recorded where children have visited town farms, petting zoos or similar. Unfortunately cryptosporidium is also resistant to chlorine treatments and so can be found in public swimming pools or bathing areas.

Because cryptosporidium can also be passed through respiratory cysts then coughing, which usually accompanies the diarrhea can be an indication of this. A respiratory infection alone is unlikely to be due to cryptosporidium.

Tests and Diagnosis for Cryptosporidium

Most often cryptosporidium is diagnosed by symptoms, however there are tests available should they be necessary. The most performed test involves the patient providing a stool sample which can be analyzed for the parasite. In other cases a biopsy may be taken. For patients who are already immunocompromised a white cell count is sometimes performed in addition to the initial diagnosis.

Risk Factors and Prevention for Cryptosporidium

In humans cryptosporidium lives in the lower intestine and is transmitted by produced cysts which are passed in the feces. Because the parasites are prevalent in many species then the opportunity to become infected is higher than with many other parasitic infections and this is often why it is so common to find this organism as being responsible for outbreaks of diarrhea. The cyst once ingested develops in the intestine of the host and is then able to produce cysts of its own. Often groups of individuals are affected because it is so prominent and easily passed from person to person. This applies more particularly when dealing with children in groups such as schools because they tend to be less aware of hygienic routines when illness prevails. If you or your child is affected then it is best to stay home until the diarrhea phase has cleared up.

Also take standard precautions such as increasing hand washing particularly after toileting and more so when changing diapers. Do not share towels, toothbrushes, face cloths or sponges. Wash the clothes of a person you know is infected with cryptosporidium separately although often, because a person is infected with the parasite between 2 to 10 days before symptoms appear, the organism has already been spread. However because a patient is still infectious for several weeks after symptoms have abated this is good practice to avoid further outbreaks.

If you are aware of an outbreak in your region or you are traveling abroad where water supplies may be suspect, use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice-cubes. Eat only well cooked hot meals and only fruits which requires to be peeled.

If someone has an accompanying respiratory infection caused by cryptosporidium then it is sensible when coughing to always make sure the patient coughs into a disposable tissue which can subsequently be destroyed. Make sure when handling the tissue that gloves are worn or hands are washed thoroughly afterwards.

Best Natural Treatment for Cryptosporidium

Often the only contemporary drug treatment for cryptosporidium is in providing pain relief when stomach cramps are severe. Sometimes this is accompanied by antibiotics or the ‘zole’ drugs, but often these are omitted because more and more clinicians are aware that they can make the condition worse by stripping the intestines of beneficial bacteria.

The illness usually lasts for between 5 days and 4 weeks and the shorter duration is more common so it is recommended that patients are given re-hydrating fluids which consist of sugars and minerals which will maintain the electrolyte balance within the body. This is of course in addition to providing clean water on demand.

More recently it has been established that in addition to re-hydration patient recovery is assisted if probiotics are administered on a daily basis. This procedure has worked well and particularly with patients who are immunocompromised.

You can also include a supplement which incorporates probiotics into the ingredient list, for example Canxida Restore, and which restores healthy bacteria in addition to natural ingredients known to rid the body of infection and provide support to the immune system.

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Best Diet for Cryptosporidium

As already discussed providing patients with probiotics on a daily basis has been scientifically proven to restore the health of the patient. Choose only organic, natural products which contain no preservatives or additives as these only serve to further irritate the digestive tract. It is also recommended to follow a lactose free diet while symptoms persist. This includes removing all dairy sugars from the menu including those added to canned and manufactured produce. Probiotics, although containing a small amount of dairy sugar, provide healthy bacterial support which far outweighs the lactose issue.

All You Need To Know About Giardia Lamblia

Giardia lamblia are a microscopic protozoa which can live in the digestive tract of humans and are one of the most commonly recognized intestinal parasitic infestations. These bacteria, although known for causing problems primarily related to diarrhea, can exist in the gut of some healthy people and display no symptoms whatsoever. However carriers of the parasite, whether they are symptomatic or not, can still infect other people who do produce symptoms once they have contracted the bacteria.

When someone starts to suffer the symptoms of a Giardia lamblia infection it is known as Giardiasis. In some regions the illness is more commonly referred to as Beaver Fever because the parasite is species specific and both humans and beavers can be affected by this particular one.

Signs and Symptoms of Giardia Lamblia

At best an infestation of Giardia lamblia can produce symptoms which are unpleasant, though in a very small number of cases the illness can be extremely serious and deaths have been recorded. Symptoms can manifest between three and 25 days after you have contracted the parasite although the average time is between seven and 14 days.

Symptoms, as would be expected, are generally those of gastric distress and they can range from quite mild to extremely severe and sometimes prolonged. Problems such as bloating, vomiting, general nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, pale greasy stools which often float in the toilet bowl and flatulence are normal symptomatic reactions. In other cases patients suffer from extreme weakness and weight loss. The symptoms usually last for between 7 – 14 days but in some cases can go on as long as 6 weeks. Explosive diarrhea is also another common finding but does not manifest in all cases. In a smaller number of people, fever, joint pain and a rash present but this is by no means the norm. Children in particular have to be watched carefully in respect of suffering from dehydration as a direct result of the fluid loss.

The normal duration for this illness is certainly less than 6 weeks, however it can go on for longer and as a direct result have more serious implications for the patient. Weight loss and dehydration are major issues due to the constant loss of fluids and malabsorption. In some people this weight loss can be so extreme that it progresses to malnutrition. The epithelial cells which line the intestine can also be damaged if the infestation is severe, which results in increased intestinal permeability. Some people also develop arthritis as a result of a prolonged infection.

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Causes of Giardia Lamblia

You can contract this bacteria in many different ways and particularly where hygiene is an issue. When this parasite resides in the gut of an infected person it produces what are known as cysts which are passed in the feces. If these cysts then get into a water supply or are allowed to contaminate any surface, including the hands, then they can be passed to a previously uninfected person by ingestion. Once in the intestine the cyst grows into the adult parasite and the whole cycle can begin again. Although one or two cysts are not thought to contribute toward illness, it has been noted that as few as ten cysts can produce symptoms.

Tests and Diagnosis for Giardia Lamblia

Analysis of stool samples is the only reliable method of diagnosing Giardiasis. Usually several samples need to be taken over the course of a few days and they will be checked either for Giardia cysts or antigens.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Giardia Lamblia

Obviously prevention is better than cure when it comes to this particular parasite especially considering it can be spread from person to person extremely easily. This means that paying attention to certain factors is important and more so when you are traveling abroad. When using water even to brush teeth or to wash dishes or clothes make sure that you boil it for at least three minutes if it is from sources which have not been previously treated. This is the best way to kill off the parasite because even water which has been treated with chlorine such as found in swimming pools will not destroy the cysts. Although the temptation in places with a hotter climate is to eat salads, where possible it is preferable to eat hot meals which have been well cooked. If you have any doubts about a particular restaurant then opt to eat elsewhere, or better still, at home. Although it might seem to be commonsense, remember to wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating. Washing hands both before and after changing diapers is also essential. If you or a member of your family has been infected, and particularly when they are displaying the symptom of diarrhea, it is probably best to stay away from the workplace or school.

Natural Treatment for Giardia Lamblia

The best natural treatment for Giardiasis often depends on whether or not a patient has been previously treated with conventional medicine and particularly antibiotics. As we are now becoming all too aware although antibiotics, may sometimes kill off a pathogenic bacteria they also eliminate the beneficial organisms which support digestive health. Also when it comes to treating Giardiasis it is recommended that all members of the household are treated at the same time. This is because the parasite spreads so easily it often affects more than one member.

Rehydration is especially important when it comes to this illness because fluids are consistently lost. Replacing fluids by drinking water is, although essential, often not sufficient and electrolyte fluids are required. These are simply salts and sugars which can be purchased over the counter and provide your body with the minerals it needs.

When it comes to natural remedies which are often preferable to contemporary drugs due to the side-effects, grapefruit is thought to be one of the most effective against this particular parasite. Grapefruit extract is one of the easiest ways in which to obtain this natural product that is noted for its efficacy not only against Giardia Lamblia but also other fungi. However this product does not, like other contemporary medicines, negatively affect beneficial microflora.

Probiotics are also essential when treating this condition because the healthy microflora are needed to give the

Garlic is also another excellent natural remedy for ridding the body of parasites. This herb has been proven to have over 300 medicinal properties which include increasing immunity to help the body fight infections. If you opt to take fresh garlic then remember to include probiotics in your diet at the same time.

Other foods which help rid the body of Giardia lamblia include onions, horseradish and beet, however rather than simply incorporating such foods into the diet I would highly recommend following my Candida Crusher program for 2-4 weeks. This would include taking Canxida Remove which is an all natural product containing both garlic and grapefruit extract in addition to many other ingredients which are helpful in ridding the body of pathogenic organisms and increasing the beneficial load which brings the body back to optimal function in the shortest possible time.

Best Diet for Giardia Lamblia

Interestingly suggestions have long been made regarding the links between Giardia lamblia and not only Candida but also a deficient immune system. This would be a very good reason for some people being symptomatic when carrying the parasite and others remaining healthy. Anecdotally too it would seem that patients report achieving a diagnosis of Giardia lamblia or Candida only to later find out they actually have both. Because these two infections often appear together, and although it is beneficial to have some treatments which are specific to each organism, it is also conducive to follow a dietary regimen which will negatively affect both pathogenic organisms while simultaneously restoring healthy microflora and supporting the immune system. This is why I highly recommend following the Candida Crusher program if you hare infected with Giardia lamblia or indeed if you have ever been affected by it.

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The basics of my program are simple and correspond with the information provided above with regard to treatment. Simple remove all sugars and alcohol from the diet while you are suffering from symptoms. Eat no processed foods and purchase fresh organic vegetables, meat and eggs. Dairy is only recommended in the form of probiotics which are essential particularly when you are taking garlic. If you wish to consider that Candida may be a corresponding infection then I highly recommend following the Candida Crusher program through to conclusion rather than simply the initial stages which will aid in ridding your body of the Giardia lamblia.